JOHN  EDWARD  PURSER'S 


Brig.  Gen.  J.  WATTS  de  PEYSTER,  N.  Y.  S.  ffl., 

Military  Agent  of  the  State  of  New  York. 
TO 

HIS  EXCELLENCY, 

HORATIO  SEYMOUR. 

Is*  JUNE,  1853,  and  21th  APRIL,  1854. 
TIVOLI,  Dutchess  Co.,  N.  Y, 


S-  S-_8^--S--S^^-8^-5--S^-S--S-45--- 

I     J^icittgaii  folate  piaqeer  j^fietg. 

4  - - 

f  Serial  No.      £ <r?  V 

W  Catalogue  No. 

I  (Ricwoid    ^<^/;/Z  18  g$. 


1  in** 


.3 


Tivoli,  27th  April,  1854. 

PURSER'S  FIRE  ESCAPE. 

During  the  preceding  week,  there  wa&  exhibited  to  me  a  most 
valuable  FIRE  ESCAPE,  which,  under  certain  circumstances, 
would  prove  of  inestimable  benefit  to  persons  in  danger  of  per- 
ishing by  fire,  in  buildings  whose  stairs  were  destroyed,  and 
all  ordinary  methods  of  escape  cut  off  by  the  flames. 
Although  by  no  means  comparable  with  the  Parisian  8ac-dc- 
Sauvetage,  in  a  locality,  where  the  windows,  accessible  to  those 
within,  open  on  a  street  or  large  area,  which  permits  its  legiti- 
mate use — as  explained  in  my  Fire  Report  of  16th  August, 

1852,    Note,    pages    124-5,    and    Text,    pages  126-7.  

Mr.  Purser's  apparatus  can  be  used  with  perfect  success 
in  the  most  confined  precincts,  where,  from  want  of  space, 
the  Sac-de-Sauvetage  could  not  be  successfully  resorted  to.  The 
numerous  certificates,  of  persons  of  distinction  in  England,  Ire- 
land, and  even  this  country,  bearing  such  unequivocal  testimo- 
ny to  its  simplicity  and  practicability,  hereto  appended,  and  to 
which  the  reader  is  referred,  render  anything  but  a  succinct  de- 
scription and  explanation  of  its  operation  altogether  unnecessary. 
It  may  be  well  to  state,  however,in  this  connection,that  while  it  is 
necessary  to  scale  the  window,  through  which  the  rescue  is  to  be 
effected,  by  means  of  the  Echelle-a- Crochets,*  in  order  to  hoist  and 

*  "Echelle-a  Crochets — Hooked  Folding  Ladder.  All  sorts  of  ladders  for  service  at 
tires  have  been  proposed  arjd  experimented  with  from  time  to  time,  but  no  sooner  tried 
than  abandoned.  This  fact  is  undeniable,  that  as  long  as  the  stairs  of  a  burning  build- 
ing are  praticable,  they  are  the  best  means  of  ascent.  Another  is  equally  ao;  the  sim- 
plest ladder,  whose  use  every  body  understands,  is  the  best  pattern.  But  as  stairs  are 
often  consumed,  and  no  ordinary  ladders  fit  for  use  at  hand,  a  well  ordered  fire  train 
should  possess  at  least  one  ladder  adapted  to  all  circumstances,  attached  to  each  engine. 
The  only  pattern  recognized  by  the  Parisian  Fire  Department,  is  that  so  often  alluded 
to  in  this  report,  composed  of  2  parts  hinged  on  the  middle  round,  the  ends  of  the  stand- 
ards of  the  upper  half  bent  by  means  of  steam,  so  as  to  form  hooks,  and  strengthened 
by  plates  or  fillets  of  iron.  To  render  it  susceptible  of  easier  transportation  it  folds  to- 
gether, and  thus  is  carried  under  the  engine,  hooking  on  behind  and  fastened  in  front 
by  means  of  the  chain  which  secures  the  bed  plate  or  platform  on  the  truck.  When 
unfolded,  its  length  is  about  13  feet,  (weight  26  lbs.,  cost  55  f.=$ll.) 

Prussian  Folding  Laddered  almost  fac  simile  of  the  T?arisi£LnjEchelle-a-Crochetsywa.de  oi" 
spruce,  in  two  pieces,  folded  together,  with  hooks,  at  upper  end  ot  standards,  to  catch 
on  or  over  the  lower  part  of  the  window  casing,  by  thrusting  them  through  the  panes 
of  glass — (how  is  this  accomplished  when  there  are  iron  bars  outside,  or  wooden  or  iron 
shutters,  closed  and  fastened  i) — weighing  originally,  iron  work  and  all,  25  lbs.,  trans- 
ported in  iron  stirrups  attached  to  each  engine.  (Cost,  5  Prussian  tbalers,  7  1-2  silver 
grosschen,  §3  71-100.) 

The  mode  of  using  the  Prussian  Ladder  is  far  more  complicated,  and  dangerous  to  the 
■operator,  than  the  Parisian.  The  fact  is,  like  the  Austrian  percussion  lock,  it  is  com- 
plicated and  inexpedient,  and  therefore  a  German  method  of  producing  a  simple  result, 
requiring  the  man,  hanging,  suspended  in  mid  air,  by  the  Belt  Hook,  like  a  jumping 
jenny,  to  use  both  hands  and  feet  to  accomplish  that  which,  in  France,  is  performed 
with  the  hands  alone,  while  the  Sapeur-Pompier  remains  pied  ferme  on  the  sill,  sus- 
tained by  a  comrade  inside  of  the  window. 


4 


affix  thereto  the  Sac-dc-Sauvctagct  \  a  proceeding  fraught  with  dan- 
ger to  the  intrepid  firemen  performing  it,  owing  to  the  shameful 
insecurity  of  the  walls  run  up,  and  fragile  constructions  toler- 
ated in  the  cities,  towns  and  villages  throughout  the  United  States, 
the  inefficient  legislation  relating  thereto,  and  the  utter  disregard 
of  human  life  daily  evinced  in  our  midst,  (of  which  the  terrible 
catastrophe  of  the  25th  inst.  in  New  York,  bears  such  appalling 
testimony,)  Mr.  Purser's  Escape  requires  no  such  risk  or  exer- 
tion. Be  it  ever  remembered,  however,  that  in  numerous  in- 
stances where  human  beings,  palsied  by  terror,  or  enfeebled  by 
the  effects  of  sickness  or  a  variety  of  other  causes,  are  in  danger, 
the  presence,  the  assistance,  the  encouragement,  of  the  practi- 
ced, cool  and  energetic  firemen,  are  indispensable  ;  and  then, 
without  the  Echelle-a- Crochets,  they  could  not  accomplish  the 
work  of  mercy — and  thus  the  imperiled  fellow  creature  would 
perish  with  the  very  means  of  safety  almost  within  his  grasp.J' 


f  Sac-de-Sauvetage — Safety  Sack — Fire  Escape.  It  is  scarcely  conceivable  that  so 
simple  an  arrangement  as  the  subject  of  this  note,  can  constitute  so  safe,  admirable  and 
easily  adjusted  a  Fire  Escape.  It  is  a  lone;  bag  or  bose  of  stout,  coarse,  elastic  bagging, 
(ireillis,)  weighing  60  lbs.,  (cost  100  to  120  francs,  $20  to  #24,)  ordinarily  from  15  to 
20  metres,  (49to66  feet,)  in  length,  (I  estimated  that,  which  I  saw  used,  at  over  70  feet,) 
woven  so  as  to  permit  the  free  circulation  of  air,  (strengthened  when  extraordinarily 
long  with  light  cords,)  55  centimetres  (22  inches)  diameter,  or  sufficiently  large  to  allow 
the  passage  of  a  man  with  his  arms  slightly  Akimbo  throughout,the  mouth  rather  larger 
and  contrived  to  present  a  square  opening  (to  facilitate  entry,  as  it  is  sometimes  necessa- 
ry for  the  firemen  to  force  timid  or  disabled  individuals  to  avail  themselves  of  this  means 
of  escape,  and  thrust  them  in,  neck  and  heels,)  and  provided  with  a  strong  spar,  rope, 
and  straps,  to  attach  it  to  the  window  wherever  it  may  be  used.  The  sides  of  the  end 
are  sometimes  slit  like  the  cuff  of  a  coat,  to  afford  easier  exit. 

The  Sack  is  hauled  up  by  means  of  a  cord  attached  to  the  ring  in  the  firemen's  belt, 
and  secured  above,  in  the  following  manner:  As  almost  all.  if  not  all,  the  windows  of 
the  Parisian  houses  are  furnished  with  what  is  generally  known  as  French  or  casement 
sashes,  very  strongly  made,  the  spar  about  6  feet  long  on  the  lower  jaw  of  the  mouth, 
is  placed  under  the  sash  against  the  jams,  and  the  opening  is  then  distended  by  draw- 
ing a  cord,  over  the  top  of  the  sash  at  either  side,  and  securing  it  to  the  spar  below.  A 
somewhat  different  method  would  he  necessary  in  this  country,  on  account  of  the  differ- 
ent arrangement  of  our  saehes  and  their  flimsy  construction — whereas,  thing3  abroad 
are  made  to  last.  The  end  of  the  Sack  is  held,  below,  as  far  as  its  length  will  permit, 
from  the  building,  in  order  that  by  giving  sufficient  inclination,  the  descent  of  the  per- 
sons" who  are  to  be  saved  may  not  be  too  rapid. 

In  order  to  prevent  accidents,  no  person  should  attempt  to  descend  before  the  fire- 
men below  give  notice  that  every  precaution  has  been  taken,  and  that  they  are  able  to 
sustain  the  end  of  the  Escape  in  the  manner  prescribed. 

The  Sack  should  be  used  by  only  one  at  a  time,  and  invariably  entered  feet  foremost. 
In  fact,  no  one  should  be  permitted  to  enter  the  mouth  before  the  individual  preceding 
is  entirely  disengaged  from  the  end. 

In  case  the  window  is  so  high  from  the  ground  that  the  length  of  the  Sack  will  not 
permit  a  sufficient  slope,  the  lower  end  is  closed  by  drawing  it  together  by  means  of  a 
rope  passed  through  rings  at  intervals  around,  and  the  same  rope  is  then  held  out  far 
enough  from  the  building  to  afford  an  easy  descent.  When  the  person  within  reaches 
the  end  thus  drawn  together,  the  rope  is  gradually  relaxed  until  the  extremity  of  the 
Sack  rests  firmly  on  the  ground  and  he  is  let  out. 

%  If  individuals,  ensnared  in  a  burning  house,  whose  stairs  are  destroyed  by  the 
flames,  could  only  preserve  their  presence  of  mind  and  coolness,  they  would  often  be  en- 
abled of  themselves  to  devise  means  to  escape  the  danger;  but  in  almost  every  case  the 


5 


(Tr*But,were  itcven  the  case  of  a  child — did  it  possess  the  slight- 
est powers  of  mental  or  physical  exertion,  Mr.  Purser's  Fire 


firemen  are  obliged  to  transport  themselves  near  them,  to  re-assure  and  direct  them  how 
to  reach  a  place  of  safety.  In  case  the  aged,  women  and  children,  are  in-question,  the 
exertions  of  the  Sapeurs-pompiers  become  indispensable.  When  the  fire  has  cut  off  all 
communication  with  the  second  story,  the  first  precaution  necessary  is  to  collect  together 
the  greatest  possible  number  of  mattresses  and  dispose  them  under  the  windows  so  as 
to  form  a  bed  (Ckard's  Swiss  Mattress- Cushion,)  on  which  a  person  could  light  without 
injury.  Another  method  would  be  to  extend  an  awning  raised  about  1  or  i  1-2  yards 
above  the  ground  (Russian  Saving  Blanket)  and  held  up  firmly  at  the  four  corners  and 
rides  to  receive  those  who  could  summon  courage  to  jump,  and  break  the  fall  of  those 
who  might  throw  themselves  from  the  windows.  When,  however,  those  in  danger  have 
taken  refuge  in  the  upper  stories,  recourse  must  be  had  to  other  means  of  assistance. — 
Naturally,  the  first  thought  is  to  use  ladders,  but  under  most  circumstances  those  at  hand 
are  not  long  enough  to  scale  lofty  buildings,  while  on  the  other  hand  the  different  Fire 
Escapes  invented  from  time  to  time,  presented  so  many  difficulties,  they  had  to  be  aban- 
doned, and  more  simple  expedients  sought  after.  These  wants  and  difficulties  called 
forth  those  admirable  inventions,  the  Echelle-a  Crochets  and  Sac-de-Sauvetage,  attributed 
to  M.  de  Plazanet,  Commandant  of  the  Parisian  Fire  Battalion,  1826-1830. 

These  are  the  best  means  of  affording  assistance  known  at  present,  the  most  successful 
in  practice,  and  generally  used.  Their  skilful  employment  is  one  of  the  most  important 
of  the  fireman's  duties.  I  will  now  endeavor  to  explain  their  manoeuvres,  which  pre 
sent  no  difficulties  in  rcaling  the  first  and  second  stories,  but  if  it  is  requisite  to  reach 
those  above  that  height,  courage  and  dexterity  are  required.  Two  firemen,  under  the 
direction  of  a  Chief,  bring  the  Echelle  a-Crochets  and  place  it  on  the  ground,  hooks  turned 
down,  beneath  the  window  they  wish  to  attain.  It  is  then  unfolded,  presenting  double 
its  former  length,  and  rendered  firm  by  a  bolt  shot  out  from  the  lower  end  of  the  upper 
bar  or  standard,  which  is  hollow,  and  entered  into  the  upper  end  of  the  bar  or  Btandard , 
of  the  lower  half  which  is  also  hollow,  transforating  at  the  same  time  the  two  iron 
straps  or  plates,  bolted  to  the  standards,  which  form  the  hinge,  turning  upon  the  middle 
round. 

To  mount  the  first  story,  the  chief  (corporal)  and  the  1st  assistant  (private)  set  up  and 
hook  the  ladder  on  the  balcony  or  window  sill  above,  after  which  they  climb  it  like  a 
common  ladder,  (ascending  with  great  caution  to  avoid  a  fracture,  as  it  is  necessarily  so 
light  that  it  responds  to  each  movement.)  taking  care  always  to  grasp  the  standards  and 
never  the  rungs.  To  ascend  from  the  first  to  the  second  story,  the  chief  stands  erect 
on  the  sill  of  the  window,  facing  outwards,  firmly  held,  by  the  belt,  by  the  1st  assistant 
inside,  while  the  2d  assistant  outside  below,  watches  attentively  his  every  movement. 
The  chief,  perfectly  secure  in  the  support  of  his  assistant  within,  then  stoops,  lifts,  un- 
hooks and  turns  the  ladder,  hooks  outwards,  then  straightens  himself  up  and  raises  it 
vertically  little  by  little,  shifting  his  hands  one  after  another  on  the  standards,  taking 
care  to  keep  his  eyes  fixed  on  the  upper  end  of  the  ladder,  to  maintain  its  equilibrium. 

When  the  hooks  arrive  a  little  above-the  second  story  windaw  sill,  the  2d  assistant, 
below,  cries,  Turn  !  At  this  notice  the  chief  turns  the  ladder,  hooks  in,  crossing  his  arms 
on  his  chest,  changing  hands  on  the  standards,  and  lowers  the  ladder  gently,  until  the 
hooks  take  firm  hold  on  the  balcony  or  window  sill. 

Thus  I  saw  them  scale  five  stories  in  succession,  and  descend  by  the  same  means. — 
If  it  became  necessary  for  persons,  unacquainted  with  its  use,  to  avail  themselves  of 
this  ladder,  they  would  be  secured  besides  with  cords,  but  if  sick  or  disabled  individu- 
als, or  those  overcome  with  terror,  were  overtaken  by  the  fire  and  forced  to  resort  to 
the  Fire  Escape,  recourse  must  then  be  had  to  the  Sac-de-Sauvetage. 

To  demonstrate  its  uses,  the  chief  and  1st  assistant  again  mounted  to  the  fifth  story, 
by  means  of  the  Echelle-a- Crochets,  the  former  having  the  swivel  or  toggle  of  the 
commande,  a  very  light  but  strong  cord,  at  least  60  feet  long,  hooked  in  the  ring  of  his 
waistbelt,  of  which  the  other  was  attached  to  the  small  spar  or  wooden  traverse  across 
the  opening  of  the  sack,which  was  then  hoisted  and  established  in  the  following  manner  : 
The  chief  and  1st  assistant  above,  distended  the  mouth  of  the  sack,  placed  the  ends  of 
the  spar  under  the  sashes  and  window  jams,  and  stretched  the  opening  to  its  greatest 
capacity,  by  means  of  cords  passed  over  the  top  of  the  sashes,  brought  down  and  secur- 
ed to  the  spar,  buckling  together  an  additional  strap,  attached  to  the  mouth  to  keep  it 
firm,  and  prevent  its  closing  unexpectedly.  This  operation  finished,  the  2d  assistant  be- 
low took  hold  of  the  end  of  the  sack,  and,  aided  by  a  few  firemen  (bystanders  would 


6 


Escape  presents  to  the  public  an  eificacious  means  of  rescue* 
Having  thus  endeavored  to  explain  wherein  its  advantages  lie,and 
at  the  same  time  demonstrate  that  my  present  views  do  not  con- 
flict with  those  heretofore  set  forth  with  regard  to  other  apparatus,  ' 
all  that  remains  is  to  exhibit  its  details  of  construction  and  oper- 
ation, and  add  that  I  conscientiously  believe,  after  a  thorough 
examination  of  and  acquaintance  with  the  foreign  appliances  of 
this  nature,  that  its  adoption  by  the  different  Fire  Departments, 
and  general  introduction  in  the  hotels  and  public  buildings 
throughout  the  United  States,  will  be  productive  of  the  most 
beneficial  results,  and  compensate  a  hundred  fold  for  the  trifling 
expense  involved  in  its  purchase  and  maintenance. $ 

Purser's  Fire  Escape  possesses  some  striking  features  of 
the  Parisian  and  Prussian  Sacs-de-Sauvetage^  but,  combined 

answer  equally  as  well.)  carried  it  as  far  away  from  the  building  as  its  length  permit- 
ted, giving  it  such  an  inclination  that  the  descent  would  not  be  too  rapid.  This  Fire  Es- 
cape was  scarcely  established,  when  several  of  the  firemen  came  sliding  down,  one  after 
another,  head  foremost  or  feet  foremost,  one  of  them  holding  the  child  of  one  of  the  offi- 
cers in  his  arms.  This  gallant  little  fellow  made  several  descents,  afterward,  by  him- 
self, and  performed  many  notable  feats  of  jumping,  &c;  and  a  corporal  cut  a  number 
of  capers,  stopping  himself  at  different  points,  simply  by  bracing  out  his  arms  and  legs 
akimbo. 

Another  means  of  rescue  resorted  to,  i3  by  lowering  persons  with  ropes,  the  necessary 
knots,  their  capacity  and  formation  being  the  subject  of  various  articles  and  plates  in  the 
Parisian  Fireman's  Manual.  As  all  their  advantages  chiefly  depend  on  the  means  af- 
forded of  securing  the  upper  end  ;  no  general  rules  can  be  given,  but  localities  must  de- 
termine the  best  methods.  Suffice  it  to  say,  I  saw  several  firemen  lowered  from  the 
fourth  story  by  a  corporal,  in  what  is  termed  the  chair  knot,  with  dispatch  and  apparent 
comfort,  and  afterward  he  let  himself  down,  simply  by  taking  a  turn  round  the  centre- 
bar  of  the  window,  holding  the  rope  in  his  hand  and  paying  it  out  gradually."  {Brig. 
Gen.  de  Peyster's  Fire  Report  of  15th  Avgust  1852." 

{.  To  prove  my  estimate  of  its  value,  I  have  directed  Mr.  Purser  to  furnish  one  of 
these  Escapes  and  present  it  through  Mr.  Matsell,  Chief  of  Police,  to  his  Department 
for  use  at  fires  in  the  City  of  New  York,  satisfied  that  its  advantages  need  only  be  tested 
in  public  to  ensure  its  general  adoption. — de  P. 

|  Sac  de  Sauvetage  (Safely  Sack) — Fire  Escape  Bag — Instead  of  the  long,  loose- woven 
bag  or  hose,  in  use  in  Paris,  the  Berlin  Contrivance  consists  of  a  simple  strong  hemp  bag, 
(cost  14  thalers,  20  silver  grosschen,  §10  21 — 100,)  at  the  opening  of  which  an  iron  D, 
or  ring  is  fastened,  to  keep  the  mouth  properly  extended,  into  which  the  person  or 
article  to  be  saved  is  put,  and  then  lowered  the  same  as  an  ordinary  bag  would  be,  bot- 
tom first,  by  firemen  who  have  come  to  his,her  or  its,  rescue,  by  means  of  the  Echelle- 
a- Crochets,  to  which  it  is  ordinary  secured,  in  order  to  be  on  hand  for  immediate  use. — 
The  Rescue  Rope  is  200  feet  long,  and  half  an  inch  in  diameter  ;  the  Direction  Line 
(Commande,  Fr.)  sent  first,  is  a  very  strong  and  firm  cord,  but  much  smaller(l  4  in.  diam.) 
The  calls  and  answers  are.  Open,  and  place  him,  her,  or  it,  in  ! — [Aufgepaszt !)  Ready! 
— (Fertig .')  Lower  Away  ! — (Los  .') 

It  strikes  me  this  is  not  to  compar/  with  the  French  invention,  introduced  by  Lieut. 
Colonel  Plazanet,  about  1826.  Some  years  since,  Jacob,  (Assistant  Master  Chimney- 
sweep,) submitted  to  the  Berlin  Municipality,  as  his  invention,  the  Parisian  Echelle  a- 
Crochets,  Sac-de-Sauvetage,  and  Belt;  already  in  use  at  Paris,  Milan,  (Lombardo 
Venitian  kingdom,)  Copenhagen,  (Denmark)  [where  they  have  an  excellent  Fire  Depart- 
ment with  a  beautiful  uniform — D.  A.  W  ,]  and  something  similar  even  atKonigs 

burg,  (East  Prussia,)  and  Berlin  itself.  Indeed,  these  admirable  appliances,  suggested 
20  years  before,  had  been  lost  to  the  public  by  that  apathy  which  effects  everything 
re  ative  to  the  Fire  Department:  an  apathy  fostered  in  this  country  (U.S.)  by  fear 
of  awakening  the  political  enmities  and  energies  of  so  large  a  body  of  voters,  and  the 
want  of  justice  and  selfishness  of  our  Press,  unwilling  to  acknowledge  the  value  of  any- 
thing not  emanating  from  the?nselves  or  their  own  proteges  or  political  partisans. 


7 


therewith  are  improvements  entirely  his  own,  which  entitle  him 
to  all  the  credit  of  an  actual  invention.  According  to  his  plan, 
it  is  applicable  both  from  within  and  without.  As  the  first, 
,  however,  depends  in  a  great  measure  on  the '  second,  and  the 
principles  of  both  are  nearly  identical,  the  latter  deserves  the 
first  consideration. 

We  will  suppose  that,  driven  by  the  flames  to  attempt  an  es- 
cape by  the  windows,  a  group  of  persons  have  assembled  in  the 
fifth  story,  invoking  assistance  from  without.    A  fireman,  armed 
with  this  Escape,  which  weighs  only  about  56  pounds,*  takes  his 
position  beneath  the  window,  and  by  means  of  a  succession  of 
rods,  fitting  successively  into  sockets,  like  the  joints  of  a  fishing 
rod,  raises  a  light  cord  attached  to  the  uppei  end  of  the  first, 
within  reach  of  the  persons  in  danger.    In  order  to  render  these 
rods  or  joints  the  lighter  and  more  easily  handled,  they  should 
be  of  seasoned  pine,  the  first  6  .1-2  feet,  second  5  1-2  feet,  and 
so  decreasing  in  length,  slightly  increased  in  diameter,  each  ter- 
minating in  a  copper  tube  to  receive  that  which  succeeds,  the 
upper  ones  having  about  one-third  from  their  ends  light  rollers,to 
enable  them  to  overcome  any  inequalities  in  the  face  of  the  build- 
ing.   The  cord  having  been  seized  by  an  observer  at  the  win- 
dow, he  can  immediately  hoist  therewith  a  spar  of  tough  and 
strong  wood,  covered  with  sheet  copper  to  protect  it  against  the 
action  of  the  flames,  chafing,  or  other  damage,  attached  to 
whose  centre  is  a  strong  but  light  block  or   pully,  through 
which  is   rove  a  chain  of   sufficient  strength,   or   a  well 
stretched  and  proved  Manilla  rope,  11-4  inch    in  diameter. 
Having  placed  this  spar  athwart  the  window,  with  the  pully 
hanging  over  the  sill,  all  the  preparations  above  are  complete. 
In  case,  however,  a  child  only  is  to  be  saved,  who  has  not  suffi- 
cient strength  to  hoist  up  the  spar  and  tackle,  Mr.  Purser  has 
provided  for  such  a  contingency,  by  sending  up  in  the  first  place 
instead  of  the  cord  a  light  grappling  iron  of  peculiar  formation, 
which,  raised  above  the  sill,  and  suffered  to  fall  within  the  win- 
dow, will  catch  upon  the  window  board  or  frame.    Attached  to 
this  grappling  iron  is  a  diminutive  pulley,  by  means  of  which  the 
spar  can  be  elevated,  and  then  only  requires  to  be  firmly  fixed 
across  the  opening  of  the  window.    Having  thus  established  the 
spar,  on  the  principle  of  a  toggle,  all  that  remains  to  be  done  is  to 
send  up  the  bag  by  means  of  a  three  part  tackje,  the  persons 
place  themselves  in  it,  and  are  lowered  in  safety. 

This  bag,  almost  identical  with  the  Prussian  Sac-de-Sauvetage, 
described  in  Note  *,  page  205,  of  my  Report  of  the  1st  June, 
1853,f  is  a  demi-cylinder  of  stout  No.  1  canvas,  about  4  feet  in 
depth  and  3x4  in  diameter,  whose  opening  is  kept  extended  by 
means  of  a  stout  D  or  semi-circular  frame-work  of  iron,  across 


*  Cost,  not  over  $32. 


|  See  Note  §,  page  6. 


8 


which,  near  the  rear,  there  is  a  sufficiently  heavy  iron  bar, 
through  whose  centre  an  eye-bolt  is  securely  riveted,  and 
thereto  attached  a  single  block,  through  which  the  Manilla 
rape  or  chain  is  rove. 

This  is  the  whole  apparatus,  and  its  operation,  by  means  of 
which,  as  set  forth  in  the  Report  of  Mr.  Carson,  Chief  Engineer 
of  the  New  York  Fire  Department,  five  persons,  three  men  and 
two  boys,  were  brought  down  from  the  fifth  story  of  a  house  in 
Mott-street,  in  4  minutes  and  50  seconds. 

For  internal  use,  no  spar  is  necessary,  a  ring-bolt  in  the  floor 
beneath  the  window  takes  its  place,  and  instead  of  the  bag  a 
neat  wooden  case,  resembling  a  chest  of  drawers,  may  be  sub- 
stituted, which  can, be  used  as  a  receptacle  for  the  tackle  when 
not  in  use. 

The  benefits  of  such  an  apparatus  in  our  crowded  hotels, 
factories,  and  other  similar  localities,  are  so  obvious,  that  it  is 
needless  to  dilate  any  further  upon  the  subject. 


NEW  YORK  AND  BROOKLYN  CERTIFICATES. 

NEW  YORK,  15th  November,  1851— United  States. 
I  have  been  present  in  company  with  several  Assistant  Engineers,  and  witnessed  Mr. 
PURSER  operating  with  his  Fire  Escape;  when  he  sent  up  his  apparatus  to  a  top 
window  of  a  five-story  building,  in  the  rear  of  a  house  in  Mott-street,  where  a  ladder- 
could  not  be  made  available,  and  brought  down  five  persons  in  four  minutes  and  fiftv 
seconds,  in  perfect  safety.  (Signed)  ALFRED  CARSON, 

Chief  Engineer. 

(Signed) 

Cornelius  Anderson,  late  Chief  Engineer; 
Wm.  Curtis,  Assistant  Engineer ; 
H.  J.  Ocherhoutsen,  Assistant  Engineer  ; 
John  Barry,  Assistant  Engineer; 
Michael  Eichell,  Assistant  Engineer. 

*Mr.  Purser  says  a  ladder  only  12  feet  in  length  ;  not  but  that  an  Echelle-a- Crochets 
whose  uses  and  benefits  are  unknown  to  New  York  Firemen,  could  have  rendered  effi- 
cient service,  but  an  ordinary  ladder,  as  it  would  have  had  to  be  brought  through  a 
passage  16  feet  long,  4  broad,  and  only  7  feet  high,  into  a  very  confined  rear  area, 
where  it  could  not  have  been  elevated — Mr.  P.  adds  that  a  patent  was  granted  for 
his  invention,  but  adverse  circumstances  prevented  his  taking  the  subsequent  steps 
requisite  to  entitle  him  to  the  rights  and  secure  the  protection  conferred  thereby. 

Board  Room,  City  Hall,  BROOKLYN,  1st  May,  1854. 
We,  the  undersigned  Aldermen,  Members  of  the  Common  Council  of  the  City  of 
Brooklyn,  N.  York,  having  seen  Mr.  John  Edward  Purser's  Fire  Escape  in  operation, 
(by  request  of  the  Fire  Departmeut  Committee,)  certify  to  its  utility,  safety,  and  ex- 
pedition in  its  working,  and  believe  it  can  be  brought  into  use  where  other  Fire  Es 
capes  cannot  act  at  all. 

(Signed)  F.  G.  QUEVEDO,  Ald'n   5th  Ward. 

JOHN  J.  WHITE,    "       8th  Ward. 
W.  W.  CAMPBELL,  Ald'n. 
GEORGE  REMSEN. 
THOS.  MULLIGAN,  Ald'n  6th  Ward. 
ISRAEL  D.  VELSOR,  Chief  Engineer  of  Brooklyn 
Fire  Department, 


9 


The  FIRE  DEPARTMENT  COMMITTEE,  to  whom  was  referred  the  annexed 
Communication  of  JOHN  E.  PURSER,  Esq.,  in  relation  to  his  improved  FIRE 
ESCAPE, 

REPORT,  That  they  have  examined  into  the  matter  mentioned  in  said  commu- 
nication, and,  from  a  personal  examination  of  the  apparatus,  and  from  having  seen  it 
in  successful  operation,  your  Committee  are  of  opinion  that  the  Fire  Escape  of  John 
E.  Purser,  Esq.,  is  the  most  simple,  economical,  and  reliable  one  that  they  have  had  the 
pleasure  of  witnessing.  It  would  prove  of  value  in  saving  life  to  have  one  made  for 
each  Police  Station  in  the  City,  to  be  in  charge  of  the  Police  of  the  respective  Stations, 
the  cost  of  which  will  be  about  $32.00.  All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted  for  the 
consideration  of  the  Board. 
Brooklin.  April  27th,  1854. 

(Signed)  F.  G.  QUEVEDO,  } 

GEO.  REMSEN,  }  Committee. 

WM.  H.  CAMPBELL,  j 

Laid  on  the  table,  May  1st,  1854. 

I  certifv  the  above  to  be  a  true  copy,  extracted  from  the  Minutes  of  the  Common 
Council  of  the  City  of  Brooklyn.         (Signed)  JOSEPH  HEGEM AN,  Clerk. 


ENGLISH  AND  IRISH  TESTIMONIALS. 

The  following  persons,  who  have  seen  John  Edward  Purser's  Fire  Escape  and 
Wreck  Life  Preserver  in  operation,  have  attached  their  signatures  to  a  document,  in 
order  to  recommend  it  for  general  use — of  which  this  is  a  copy : — 

Lieut.  General  Lord  Downes  Dr.  Sadlier,  Provost  Trinity  College.  Dublin 

Lieut.  Gen'l  Sir  Rich'd  Bourke,  KC.B.    The  Lord  Bishop  of  Limerick 

Lieut.  Gen'l  Sir  "Wm. Marbeune,  K.C.B.    Capt.  Rob't  Maunsell,  R.N.,  H.  M.  sh.  Rooney 

Admiral  R.  D.  Oliver,  of  the  Red  Capt.  Hayes  O.  Grady,  R.N. 

Lord  Viscount  Guillamore  Commander  "Wolfe,  R.  N. 

Lord  Viscount  Gort  Commander  Beechy,  R.N. 

The  Earl  of  Clonmell  Lieutenants  Rees  and  Lynch,  R.  N. 

The  Earl  of  Sefton  Master  J.  S.  Taylor,  N.  N. 

Mich'l  Furnell,  D.L..  High  Sheriff,         Capt.  Jervis,  Treasurer  Royal- Western  Yacht 
[County  Limerick  [Club, 
and  fifty  others — Merchants,  Clergymen,  Barristers,  and  other  Professions. 

OPINIONS  OF  THE  PRESS. 

From  the  Cork  Examiner^ 

British  Association  k\  Cork.— We  are  happy  to  notice  that  Section  0.  yesterday 
passed  a  vote  of  thanks  to  Mr.  PURSER,  of  Limerick,  for  his  very  valuable  and  simple 
invention,  the  Fire  Escape.  It  is  one  of  the  simplest  inventions  ever  exhibited ;  it  can 
be  applied  in  a  moment  by  the  youngest  child,  and  is  capable  of  letting  down  a  person 
from  any  height,  or  giving  assistance  from  the  street,  aud  in  any  situation,  and  in  which 
m  other  piece  of  machinery  could  be  used. 


From  the  Limerick  Chronicle. 

British  Association. — In  Section  G.,  Mechanical  Science,  Mr.  PURSER,  of  this  city, 
received  a  vote  of  thanks  for  bis  valuable  and  simple  invention,  the  Fire  Escape.  In 
order  to  test  its  efficiency,  he  descended  from  an  upper  window  of  the  Court  House.  Sir 
J.  M'Neill,  the  Chairman,  concluded  the  business  of  the  Section,  by  congratulating  the 
mechanical  gentlemen  of  Ireland  of  this  meeting  of  the  Association  having  taken  place 
amongst  them. 

From  the  Liverpool  Times. 

We  have  seen  in  operatiou  a  Fire  Escape,  at  the  Watch  Office,  invented  by  a  gentle- 
man of  Dublin.  It  is  simply  a  Fire  Escape,  and  nothing  more  ;  but,  it  is  the  Fire  Escape 
most  wanted.  The  whole  apparatus  does  not  weigh  half  a  hundred ;  and  in  the  event 
of  a  person  wanting,  in  case  of  a  fire,  to  escape  from  an  upper  window,  however  high, 
the  fire  police  can  in  one  moment  enable  him  to  do  so.  The  great  difficulty  was  to  get 
the  apparatus  up.   This  invention  completely  overcomes  that  difficulty. 


10 


From  the  Liverpool  Albion. 
We  understand  that  the  Watch  Committee  have  ordered  from  Mr.  JOHN  EDWARD 
PURSER  four  of  his  newly-invented  Fire  Escapes,  which  are  to  be  kept  in  constant 
readiness  at  the  several  Lock-up  Houses  and  Police  Stations,  in  caJes  of  fire.  Those 
invented  by  Mr.  Purser  are  exceedingly  simple  in  construction  and  operation,  and  can 
with  ease  be  made  available  in  those  confined  situations,  where  other  Fire  Escapel 
could  not  be  used. 

From  the  Liverpool  Mail. 
New  Fise  Escape.— On  Monday  last,  a  machine  was  exhibited  to  the  Watch  Com- 
mittee, the  authorities  of  Birkenhead,  and  several  gentlemen  of  the  Press,  for  facilitating 
the  maans  of  escape  in  cases  of  fire— the  invention  of  Mr.  PURSER.  The  construction 
of  it  is  simple,  yet  very  ingenious  and  effective— the  whole  apparatus,  we  believe,  not 
weighing  more  than  56  lbs.  The  facility  with  which  it  was  brought  into  operation,'  and 
the  ease  with  which  it  was  afterwards  worked,  elicited  expressions  of  admiration  and 
satisfaction  from  all  who  have  witnessed  it.  We  may  rank  this  as  one  of  the  best  inven- 
tions of  the  present  day,  and  have  no  doubt  that  ere  long,  when  it  becomes  publicly 
known,  it  will  be  brought  into  general  use,  particularly  in  all  large  towns,  where  fires 
are  of  frequent  occurrence,  often  involving  serious  loss  of  life.  We  earnestly  recommend 
it  to  the  attention  not  only  of  all  public  bodies,  but  private  individuals— it  being  very 
compact,  and  capable  of  being  brought  into  a  very  small  compass. 

From  Ike  "  Watch  Committee}  of  Birkenhead  {opposite  Liverpool). 
Sir  :— I  am  directed  by  the  Lightening  and  Watch  Committee  to  intimate  that,  highly 
approving  of  your  Fire  Escape,  they  have  agreed  to  purchase  one  for  the  sum  of  £5  10 
(about  $27  50),  to  be  delivered  at  your  earliest  convenience,  to  their  Superintendent,  at 
his  office.  I  am,  Sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

(Signed)  WM.  GREGORY,  Secretary. 

From  the  Earl  of  Sefton,  Croxleth  Park,  near  Liverpool 
Sir  :— The  Fire  Escape  seems  a  handy  thing,  and  well  contrived  and  executed.  It 
is  a  most  requisite  article  to  have  about  a  large  house,  though  it  may  never  be  wanted. 
But  it  is  simple,  and  easily  stowed  away.    I  shall  have  it  occasionally  inspected  when 
the  fire  engine  is  worked.       (Signed)  Yours,  <fcc.  SEFTON. 

From  Lieut.  General  Lord  Downs,  Burt  House,  Kildare  County  .Ireland. 
Sir  : — I  think  that  the  Fire  Escape  is  a  very  desirable  apparatus  to  have  in  a  large 
dwelling  house,  and  I  beg  you  will  send  me  one  by  the  bearer  who  will  pay  vou  for  it. 

I  am,  Sir,  your  obedient  servant,  (Signed)  DOWNES. 

From  the  Superintendent  of  the  Liverpool  Fire  Brigade. 

Sir  : — In  compliance  with  your  wish,  I  have  carefully  examined  your  invention,  test- 
ing it  in  several  ways,  and  consider  it  the  best  and  easiest  worked  of  the  many  Fire 
Escapes  that  have  come  under  my  notice  ;  and  can  recommend  it  as  an  invention  which 
combines  great  facility,  safety  and  expedition  in  its  working ;  and  that  it  can  be  brought 
into  use  in  cases  of  fire,  where  other  Fire  Escapes  could  not  act  at  all. 

I  am,  Sir,  yours  truly,  (Signed)  J.  HEWITT, 

Superintendent  of  Fire  Brigade,  Liverpool. 

1th  August,  1847. 

fl^p3*  Since  the  above  was  written,  the  Superintendents  of  the  London,  Manchester. 
ane  Dublin  Fire  Brigades,  have  seen  it,  and  concur  in  the  same  opinion. 

From  the  Proprietor  of  the  Stork  Hotel,  Liverpool. 
Sir: — I  was  much  pleased  yesterday  in  noticing  a  most  easy  descent  in  one  of  your 
simple  but  very  effective  Fire  Escapes  ;  and  finding  the  price  to  be  moderate,  would 
wish  you  to  send  me  one  at  your  earliest  convenience,  and  oblige 

Your  obedient  servant, 
Stork  Hotel,  Liverpool,  17th  November,  1847.       (Signed)        E.  B.  THOMAS. 

pgp  Mr.  PURSER  having  obtained  permission  from  the  Royal  Dublin  Society  to 
exhibit  his  FIRE  ESCAPE  before  the  authorities  of  that  city  at  their  Institution,  and 
having  done  so,  he  states  and  is  prepared  to  exhibit  vouchers  that  he  received  a  large 
pumber  of  orders  and  testimonials  from  various  public  bodies,  hotel  keepers,  and  other 
individuals,  viz:  7  for  external  application,  and  6  internal,  i.  e.  to  be  kept  in  houses. 


11 


From  the  Proprietor  of  Radley's  Hotel,  Dublin. 

Sir  :— 1  shall  feel  obliged  by  your  sending  me  one  of  your  improved  Fire  Escapes. 
for  the  use  of  my  hotel,  as  I  am  fully  satisfied  (from  seeing  it  exhibited)  of  the  great 
advantage  of  possessing  means  of  saving  life.    Enclose  a  bill  and  receipt,  and  oblige, 
Yours,  respectfully,  (Signed)  JOHN  RADLEY. 

From  the  Proprietor  of  the  Victoria  Foundry,  Church  Warden,  St.  Marys  Parish. 

Sir  : — Having  been  present  at  your  exhibition  of  your  Fire  Escape,  before  the  Royal 
Dublin  Society,  on  Saturday  last,  and  having  considered  the  simplicity,  efficiency  and 
expedition  of  its  application,  I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  it  is  the  best  and  simplest 
contrivance  for  the  purpose  that  has  as  yet  come  to  my  knowledge  ;  and,  as  Church 
Warden  of  St.  Mary's  Parish,  I  request  you  will  be  pleased  to  send  me  one  of  them  as 
speedily  as  possible.  I  am,  Sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

(Signed)  JOHN"  MALLETT,  Civil  Engineer. 

31st  August,  1847,  Dublin,  Victoria  Foundry,  Ryden  Row. 

COPY  of  the  ORDER  of  the  DUBLIN  PIPE  WATER  COMMITTEE. 

City  Assembly  House,  DUBLIN,  18th  Sept.,  1841 
Sir  : — I  am  directed  by  the  Lord  Mayor  and  Pipe  Water  Committee,  to  acknowledge 
the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  16th;  and,  in  reply,  to  state  that  two  Fire  Escapee, 
similar  to  that  the  Lord  Mayor  and  Ald'n  Gavin  witnessed  the  working  of  on  the  20th 
ult.,  be  forwarded  to  Mr.  Crofton,  Store  Keeper,  Barrack-street,  Dublin. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

(Signed)  D.  J.  WILKINSON,  Secretary. 

Mr.  John  Edw.  Purser,  Liverpool. 


STATE  OF  NEW  YORK, 
County  of  Kings. 


I,  JOHN  EDWARD  PURSER,  do  solemnly  swear  that  the  accompanying  docu- 
ments are  true  copies  of  the  originals  that  I  have  received  from  the  individuals  whose 
names  are  attached  thereto— the  originals  of  which  are  now  in  my  possession — and  also 
the  copies  of  the  statements  of  the  Press  relative  to  the  merit  of  my  invention  as  a 
Fire  Escape.  (Signed)  JOHN  EDWARD  PURSER. 

Sworn  before  me,  this  5th  day  of  May,  1854. 
(Signed)     PETER  R.  HEGEMAN,  Com'r  of  Deeds. 


SEYMOUR  DURST 


When  you  leave,  please  leave  this  hook 

Because  it  has  heen  said 
"Sver'thincj  comes  t'  him  who  waits 

Except  a  loaned  hook." 


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